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UM women beat FSU 59-52, first Hurricanes road win over Seminoles in eight years

It had been eight years since the University of Miami women’s basketball team won a road game at Florida State, so the post-game celebration was extra sweet after the Hurricanes beat the Seminoles 59-52 on Thursday night at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center in Tallahassee.

Kelsey Marshall led the way with 21 points on 7-of-19 shooting. Mykea Gray and Destiny Harden chipped in 10 points apiece.

Miami knocked down 11 three-pointers in the victory, which improved the team’s record to 10-6 overall and 3-3 in the ACC.

“The upperclassmen stepped up in a rivalry game and they got a win in a place they’ve never gotten one before,” oach Katie Meier said. “I couldn’t be happier for Mykea Gray and Destiny Harden. Kelsey (Marshall)’s been amazing this whole year, but Mykea and Destiny have had a rough year with injuries and rehabbing. They were all clutch and I thought they played phenomenally.”

Miami dominated the boards, outrebounding Florida State 47-30, hauling in 19 offensive rebounds against one of the top rebounding teams in the ACC. For the eighth time this season, Miami recorded double-digit steals, finishing the night with 11, with four coming from Harden.

“Give credit to Miami for attacking the glass,” said FSU coach Sue Semrau. “That was the difference in the game. We’re the number one offensive rebounding team in the conference, so I’m speechless.”

Florida State (8-8, 2-4 ACC) led by 10 early in the second quarter, but a three-pointer by Harden (one of five she sank in the game) ignited the Canes’ offense and Miami went on a 16-0 run to take its first lead since the 5:59 mark in the first quarter.

The third quarter featured six lead changes and three ties. Gray scored eight of her 10 points in the third on 3-of-5 shooting, including a pair of baskets from deep.

The Canes defense was relentless in the fourth quarter, holding the Seminoles to just two baskets and 20 percent shooting. Miami outscored Florida State, 15-10, in the final 10 minutes, highlighted by a five-point fourth quarter effort from Harden. Crucial free throws down the stretch by Harden and junior Lola Pendande sealed the victory for the Canes.

“We have a tough stretch here where we have these four games in a week. We are 2-1 right now and Boston College is going to be a heck of a challenge,” Meier said. “This was really an important game to win. It really keeps us in the middle of the pack here and it’s really important to win road games in the conference and we already have two road wins.”

The Canes remain on the road, heading to Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts to take on the Boston College Eagles at noon Sunday.